THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

784

THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO AIRLINES.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that since January 2021, only one passenger airline has provided service to the general public out of Molokai airport.  While the airline has done their best to accommodate the needs of passengers, including additional routes, flight times, and ordering larger planes, the cost of plane tickets remains a hinderance to many Molokai residents who need to travel for essential reasons, including work, medical appointments, and family.  A subsidy can help the airlines offset the cost of passenger tickets while encouraging other airlines to also provide service at Molokai airport.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of transportation to establish a one-year pilot program to provide subsidies to airlines operating out of Molokai airport.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of transportation shall establish and implement a one-year airline subsidy pilot program at Molokai airport to assist airlines in offsetting the costs of operation.

     (b)  The department of transportation shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations regarding the airline subsidy pilot program, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the airline subsidy pilot program.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

 

 

Report Title:

Airlines; Subsidy; Pilot Program; Molokai Airport; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the Department of Transportation to establish and implement a one-year Airline Subsidy Pilot Program at Molokai Airport to assist airlines in offsetting the costs of operation.  Appropriates funds.  Takes effect 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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